Paths that Drip with Abundance

Thinking about my One Word for 2019: Abundance.  Already God is showing me so many beautiful ways that He is filling my life with His abundance.  Again, we are not speaking of material wealth or abundance...no, it is much deeper, much better, much more substantial than that. Why? Because material abundance is short-lived.  It is temporary...like everything else on the earth, it will eventually decay, turn to dust, and disintegrate.  I don't need material abundance. I need the depth of God's overflowing abundance of life, love, and everlasting joy.

Last night God blessed us with His abundant majesty in the heavens.  Here are a few pictures to show you what I mean:

I captured these glorious photos of the sunset just as we were leaving our kids' house after supper to head for choir practice at the church. I know many of you were also viewing this magnificent sunset from your homes as it seemed as though everyone was posting pictures last night on Facebook of this sunset.  No matter where you were standing, it was amazing and marvelous.  

And this is what I sang along with all of creation:

"You are beautiful beyond description
Too marvelous for words
Too wonderful for comprehension
Like nothing ever seen or heard
Who can grasp you infinite wisdom
Who can fathom the depth of your love
You are beautiful beyond description
Majesty enthroned above

And I stand, I stand in awe of you
I stand, I stand in awe of you
Holy God to whom all praise is due
I stand in awe of you"

To further reflect on the ways God is showering His "abundance" on my heart, this morning we read the following scripture in our time of devotions:

Psalm 65:11-13

"You crown the year with Your goodness,

And Your paths drip with ABUNDANCE.

They drop on the pastures of the wilderness,

And the little hills rejoice on every side.

The pastures are clothed with flocks;

The valleys also are covered with grain;

They shout for joy, they also sing."

Today I also started reading a new book, (thanks to one of our friends Cindy Conner of Creations By Cindy, for mentioning that she is beginning a Bible Study based on this book) Wonderstruck, by Margaret Feinberg.  I had some credit coming to me from Amazon.com, and was able to purchase this book for free.  I must say that I am already "Wonderstruck" by the preface and purpose of this book..."Awaken to the nearness of God"...  

Let me quote something from Margaret's introduction that caught my attention...as this is so much in keeping with what I have felt and believed and just didn't know quite how to put it in words:

"God delights for us to cup our hands in prayer and scrunch our faces against the vault of heaven in holy expectation that He will meet us in beautiful, mysterious ways.  The Creator desires to captivate us not just with his handiwork but with himself--displaying facets of his character, igniting us with his fiery love, awakening us to the intensity of his holiness." (Chapter 000. Captured by the Night Sky,  Wonderstruck, Margaret Feinberg, pg. 4)

So today I am even more committed to exploring where God is going to take me this year in His plan for giving me more "abundant living".  We have high expectations for the new year...and so far our plans seem to be dragging along and not getting any real traction.  I'm beginning to think that God wants to show me a more excellent way as we journey along to the way of abundance.  It's not so much about a place as it is about Him.  Perhaps you'd like to come along with me on this journey? I know you each have your own paths to explore and hills to climb.  But just maybe we can all travel together and encourage each other along the way. I think that is a big part of why we are here in "blogland" together.  What do you think?

Blessings to all of you, wherever you are, whatever your goals and passions and dreams...keep your eyes on God and He will lead you into paths that "drip with abundance".